KEEPING IT CLEAN A Guide to Reducing Risk from Pesticides* in Springfield s Drinking Water Protection Areas

Transcription

1 KEEPING IT CLEAN A Guide to Reducing Risk from Pesticides* in Springfield s Drinking Water Protection Areas *Pesticides include herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and all other substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating a pest. June 2018

2 PREPARED BY Springfield Utility Board and Springfield Groundwater Guardians WITH ASSISTANCE FROM Lane Council of Governments and Oregon State University Extension Service And funding provided by the federal Safe Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund through Business Oregon and a partnership of Local and/or Private Funds. Illustrations by Maddison Colvin. Design by Annie Callister. June 1, 2018 Acknowledgments: The Springfield Utility Board extends a tremendous thanks to Dennis Nelson, who shared his profound knowledge of groundwater and volunteered countless hours to make this project possible. Jeff Choate of OSU Extension went above and beyond in providing invaluable assistance and expertise. For consulting, reviewing, and otherwise giving time to this project, we extend gratitude to Jeff Jenkins & Phil Janney, Oregon State University; Corina Lewis, SUB intern; Tom Pattee, Oregon Health Authority; and Meghan Murphy, City of Springfield. Disclaimer: The material provided herein is for informational purposes only. All efforts have been made to offer accurate and current information as of June 1, 2018, which is the date of publication. The provisions of this publication do not constitute an endorsement by the Springfield Utility Board of any particular product. Furthermore, Springfield Utility Board makes no guarantees as to the safety or efficacy of any product and assumes no responsibility or liability for any injury or damage that may result from using any product. The information presented in this publication does not in any way replace or supersede the information on the pesticide product labeling for any pesticide. Before use of a pesticide, refer to the product labeling for the intended pesticide and relevant regulatory authorities. : Reducing Risk from Pesticides in Springfield s Drinking Water Protection Areas

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Back Pages Back Cover Back Pages Introduction Pesticides and Groundwater: Why Does It Matter? Springfield s Drinking Water Sources Integrated Pest Management Pesticide Evaluation Tool: Five Steps 6 Step 1: Read the Label! 7 Step 2: Find the Groundwater Ubiquity Score () 12 Step 3: Determine the Relative Risk 13 Step 4: Make Sense of the Risk 14 Step 5: Plan Your Management Approach Best Management Practices for Application of Pesticides Within Groundwater Protection Areas Proper Storage, Disposal and Transport of Chemicals Common Pesticides and Their Rankings Other Ways to Protect Springfield s Drinking Water Resources and Contacts for Additional Information References Appendix A: Springfield Time-of-Travel Zones Appendix B: Groundwater Ubiquity Score Log Sheets Emergency Phone Numbers Relative Risk Maps : Reducing Risk from Pesticides in Springfield s Drinking Water Protection Areas

4 INTRODUCTION Why have we developed this guide? Over the years many professionals and residents in the community have contacted the Springfield Utility Board (SUB) with questions about the risks to groundwater from specific pesticide products. We appreciate the community s concern for protecting our drinking water and, in response, have developed this resource guide. As you use and become more familiar with it, we welcome your feedback and your questions. Please contact the SUB Drinking Water Source Protection Coordinator at or visit our website at subutil.com. Who can use this guide? Whether you are a landscape professional, a certified pesticide applicator, an occasional user of pesticides, or someone who simply wants to learn more about protecting Springfield s drinking water, this guide will provide helpful information. The guide includes a step-by-step Pesticide Evaluation Tool that assumes a basic familiarity with pesticide safety and awareness; however, the guide also contains resources for people looking to minimize or eliminate their use of pesticides and anyone concerned about protecting Springfield s drinking water. How to use this guide: The Pesticide Evaluation Tool starting on page 6 provides a simple method for assessing the relative risk to Springfield s drinking water sources from a given pesticide used at a given location. We recommend that you read through the entire guide once before using the Pesticide Evaluation Tool and log sheets. This guide focuses specifically on reducing risk to Springfield s drinking water. It is not a substitute for general pesticide safety education nor a tool for selecting the most effective pesticide. The Pesticide Evaluation Tool does not consider many of the factors included in more comprehensive pesticide ranking systems, such as toxicity or carcinogenicity. The guide does, however, provide Springfield-specific information and is a unique resource for this community. We offer it as a supplement to other pesticide safety and awareness resources. Where to use this guide: Although the guide contains plenty of information that applies elsewhere, the geographic focus is the Wellhead Protection Areas (WHPAs) of Springfield, Oregon, which include most of Springfield and parts of Lane County and northeast Eugene. Refer to the map on page 4 for the boundaries of the WHPAs. 1

5 PESTICIDES & GROUNDWATER: WHY DOES IT MATTER? A pesticide is any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest. Although often misunderstood to refer only to insecticides, the term pesticide also applies to herbicides, fungicides, and various other substances used to control pests (the suffix -cide comes from the Latin word to kill ). For example, herbicides kill or limit the growth of unwanted plants; fungicides control fungal problems like molds, mildew, and rust; insecticides control unwanted insects; etc. All pesticides are registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) before they are sold or distributed in the United States unless they qualify as minimum-risk pesticides (e.g., cedar oil, mint oil, egg solids). EPA classifies all pesticides as either general-use or restricted-use. Only individuals with a pesticide applicator license or working under the supervision of someone who has one are permitted to apply restricted-use pesticides (RUPs), which pose special risks even when used according to the label. Even when meant for outside use, pesticides can be a problem to groundwater. Pesticides applied to landscaping, crops, or anywhere outdoors may move down with rain or irrigation water and reach the aquifer. Pesticides can also reach the groundwater directly through misuse or overuse, improper disposal, accidental spills and leaks, improperly sealed wells or dry wells, or seepage of contaminated surface water. The likelihood that any given applied pesticide will move from soil into groundwater depends on a variety of factors related to the: chemical (e.g., persistence, mobility, volatility) soil (e.g., texture, organic matter, ph) site (e.g., depth to water, climate/weather) management practices (e.g., application rates and methods) Since it can be complicated for the everyday pesticide user to make sense of all these factors, this guide provides a simplified method for evaluating pesticide risk to groundwater in Springfield. 2

6 SPRINGFIELD S DRINKING WATER SOURCES When you sip a glass of tap water in Springfield, you are enjoying some of the highest quality drinking water in the world. Where does that water come from? The majority comes from SUB s and Rainbow Water District s 35 wells distributed throughout Springfield, and approximately ten percent is pumped directly from the Middle Fork Willamette River. Springfield has access to such a high quality, plentiful water supply because it is located within two river valleys. The principal aquifers in the Springfield area occur in the valleys of the Willamette and McKenzie Rivers. Underneath the ground throughout these valleys, there are different sizes and types of geologic material, and the pore spaces between them are filled with groundwater. Although most of us don t see it, this crucial drinking water resource is right beneath us. As water moves through the aquifer, the geology s natural filtration process purifies it, giving us high quality water that requires minimal additional treatment. Nevertheless, the aquifer s ability to provide natural filtration can become overwhelmed if contaminants make their way to groundwater. For this reason, we must protect our drinking water sources by preventing harmful chemicals from entering the ground. AQUIFER: An underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock, rock fractures, or unconsolidated materials (gravel, sand, or silt) from which groundwater can be extracted using a water well. 3

7 The Springfield Wellhead Protection Areas (WHPAs) map below illustrates the sensitivities of Springfield s drinking water supply. The map highlights the total area on the ground surface that overlies that part of the aquifer(s) that supplies Springfield s wells. These WHPAs are divided into different time-of-travel zones. The time-of-travel zones refer to the amount of time it takes for groundwater to move from that zone to the pumping well. For example, within a one-year zone, groundwater is expected to reach a well in less than a year s time, and in some cases it could take only a few days. In a more distant zone, groundwater may not reach a well for 20 years, or even 99 years. It is within these WHPAs that the actions we take above ground can affect the quality of Springfield s drinking water sources below ground. Contaminants released within the WHPAs can migrate down to the aquifer and travel to a well. The time-of-travel zones indicate how much time it would take a contaminant to potentially reach the well. Whether or not any given contaminant ultimately reaches the well depends on a variety of factors such as contaminant chemistry, soil makeup, depth to groundwater, and natural breakdown. Without the ability to consider all of these factors at all times, we use the zones as a general guide for how to strategically and most effectively protect our drinking water sources. The shorter the time of travel, the more likely a contaminant will reach a well. The greatest caution is necessary in the most sensitive areas; however, the entire WHPAs warrant protection because many chemicals, such as chlorinated solvents, have the ability to persist for decades. (Appendix A provides a description of how Springfield s time-of-travel zones were determined.) The best way to protect Springfield s WHPAs from contamination is through the careful management of hazardous materials and other harmful chemicals. Examples include close monitoring of large chemical storage tanks, use of secondary containment, elimination of chlorinated solvents, proper disposal of commercial and household hazardous waste, prevention of spills into the stormwater system, and careful and judicious use of pesticides and fertilizers. While there are so many ways that each of us can help protect Springfield s drinking water sources, this guidebook focuses specifically on the last item: careful and judicious use of pesticides. 4

8 INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT Anyone choosing to apply a pesticide takes on a responsibility to make careful decisions about what, when, where, and how to apply. Before heading out with the bottle or sprayer, be sure you need it! STOP and ask some important questions: 1. What am I trying to achieve? Is the pest causing lasting damage or posing a real problem? 2. Is a pest really the cause of my problem? 3. Are there enough pests to justify using a chemical? 4. Can I change the conditions that have caused the pest to become a problem? 5. Other than a pesticide, what else might work? Through an approach called Integrated Pest Management (IPM), you can combine non-chemical or least-toxic chemical forms of control. IPM minimizes the use of chemical controls by relying on a comprehensive combination of pest management methods and uses chemical control as the last resort. A combination of different measures provides the most effective long-term pest control. Below are a few examples: Physical Control Mechanical Control Biological Control Replanting Cultural Control Examples: Using a fertilizing & watering regime that maintains a healthy lawn; spot spraying individual weeds instead of applying an herbicide to an entire lawn or shrub bed selecting pest-resistant varieties or species. Examples: Leaving leaves on the ground; using mulches and/ or landscape fabric to keep weeds from growing; using solarization for soilborne pathogens or weed seeds. Examples: Hoeing or digging weeds; cutting vines (like ivy & blackberries) to the ground and then digging or pulling out root crowns; burning weeds with a torch or boiling water; spraying leaves forcefully with water to remove insects; using traps or creating barriers to exclude pests. Examples: Planting groundcover to reduce the area where weeds can grow; using beneficial organisms such as insects that eat or parasitize other insects. In extreme cases, where a plant requires regular pesticide treatment, consider replanting with a more pest-resistant species or variety. One of the most straightforward ways to protect our drinking water sources from pesticide overuse or misapplication is simply to use less pesticide. Oregon State University Extension Service (extension.oregonstate.edu) and the Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides (pesticide.org/pests_and_alternatives) provide a tremendous amount of information online about IPM and non-chemical pest management. The lists above offer a few examples, but don t stop there. Find more resources and achieve your own pesticide alternatives success story! 5

9 PESTICIDE EVALUATION TOOL: FIVE STEPS If after considering non-chemical approaches you find that a pesticide is necessary, use this tool to evaluate the potential risk your chosen pesticide poses to Springfield s drinking water and to identify low risk products. The evaluation tool will take you through five steps. To help keep track of the different products you evaluate, you can make notes on one of the log sheets found at the end of this guide. STEP 1: READ THE LABEL! The label is the law! Labels are legal documents providing directions on how to mix, apply, store, and dispose of a pesticide. Labels also contain information on potential hazards associated with the product, including impact to groundwater, and instructions to follow in the event of a poisoning or spill. Following label instructions allows you to minimize the risks and maximize the benefits. Although this evaluation tool focuses on impact to groundwater, continue to follow all requirements associated with using a pesticide product, including being aware of the specific hazards. Always read the label carefully before you buy a product and make sure it is intended for your specific use. READ THE PRODUCT LABEL BEFORE BEFORE BEFORE BEFORE PURCHASING USING STORING DISPOSING 6

10 STEP 2: FIND THE GROUNDWATER UBIQUITY SCORE () The Groundwater Ubiquity Score, known as, is a calculated value that ranks pesticides for their potential to move toward groundwater. A higher means greater potential to leach into groundwater (see Appendix B for a description of how the is derived). To determine the for your chosen product: Find your product s active ingredient(s) on the product label and record on your log sheet. See example below. Now find your product s active ingredient(s) in the lists that start on the next page. On your log sheet, write down the numerical value(s) and circle the ranking (low, moderate, or high). If the product has more than one active ingredient, circle the ranking for the highest applicable. See example below. BREAKDOWN OF VALUES er value means greater potential to leach into groundwater Numerical Score <2 2-3 >3 Risk Ranking erate 7

11 FUNGICIDES ACTIVE INGREDIENT RANK ACTIVE INGREDIENT RANK AZADIRACHTIN 3.80 OIL, NEEM (COLD-PRESSED) 1.69 AZOXYSTROBIN 2.78 PCNB 0.40 BOSCALID CAPTAN PHOSPHOROUS ACID, MONO- AND DI-POTASSIUM SALTS OF 2.91 CHLOROTHALONIL 1.27 POTASSIUM BICARBONATE 2.91 CINNAMALDEHYDE 0.49 POTASSIUM LAURATE COPPER OCTANOATE 3.70 PROPICONAZOLE 2.04 COPPER SULFATE PENTAHYDRATE 0.07 PYRACLOSTROBIN COPPER SULFATE, ph SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE 1.08 COPPER SULFATE, ph STREPTOMYCIN SULFATE 3.97 DIFENOCONAZOLE 0.86 SULFUR 3.18 KAOLIN 0.49 TEBUCONAZOLE 1.86 MINERAL OIL/PETROLEUM DISTILLATE 1.00 THIABENDAZOLE 1.57 MYCLOBUTANIL 2.37 THIOPHANATE-METHYL 0.74 OIL, CANOLA TRITICONAZOLE 3.54 OIL, NEEM (CLARIFIED HYDROPHOBIC EXTRACT) HERBICIDES ACTIVE INGREDIENT RANK ACTIVE INGREDIENT RANK 2 4-D 2.70 AMINOPYRALID, POTASSIUM SALT D, DIMETHYLAMINE SALT 2.70 AMMONIUM SALTS OF FATTY ACIDS 2 4-D, ETHYLHEXYL ESTER 3.58 BENEFIN (BENFLURALIN) DP, DIMETHYLAMINE SALT 2.59 BROMOXYNIL DP-P 3.01 BROMOXYNIL, HEPTANOATE DP-P, DIMETHYLAMINE SALT ACETIC ACID BROMOXYNIL, OCTANOIC ACID ESTER [Octanoate] AMINOPYRALID, TRIISOPROPANOLAMINE SALT 4.46 CARFENTRAZONE-ETHYL 0.64 Continued on next page... 8

12 HERBICIDES CONT. ACTIVE INGREDIENT RANK ACTIVE INGREDIENT RANK CLETHODIM 2.98 MCPP-P, DMA SALT 2.88 CLOPYRALID CLOPYRALID, MONOETHANOLAMINE SALT MCPP-P, POTASSIUM SALT (MECO- PROP-P) MESOTRIONE, ph CLOPYRALID, TRIETHANOLAMINE SALT 3.68 MESOTRIONE, ph DCPA (CHLORTHAL-DIMETHYL) 0.60 METOLACHLOR (ACETAMIDE) 3.32 DICAMBA 3.78 METSULFURON-METHYL 5.11 DICAMBA, DIMETHYLAMINE SALT 4.24 ORYZALIN 1.59 DICAMBA, POTASSIUM SALT 4.24 OXADIAZON 0.88 DICHLOBENIL 2.49 OXYFLUORFEN DIQUAT DIBROMIDE PELARGONIC ACID (NONANOIC ACID) 0.91 DITHIOPYR 1.74 PENDIMETHALIN 0.59 DIURON 2.58 PENOXSULAM 2.38 FENOXAPROP-P-ETHYL PICLORAM 5.64 FLUAZIFOP-P-BUTYL 0.29 PICLORAM, POTASSIUM SALT 5.46 FLURIDONE 1.32 PICLORAM, TRIISOPROPANOLAMINE 5.46 FLUROXYPYR, 1-METHYLHEPTYL ESTER POTASSIUM LAURATE GLYPHOSATE 1.17 PRODIAMINE GLYPHOSATE, ISOPROPYLAMINE SALT PROMETON 4.92 HALOSULFURON-METHYL 2.80 PRONAMIDE (PROPYZAMIDE) 3.02 IMAZAPIC, AMMONIUM SALT 6.44 QUINCLORAC 6.11 IMAZAPYR, ISOPROPYLAMINE SALT 3.91 SETHOXYDIM 1.40 INDAZIFLAM 2.30 SIDURON (TUPERSAN) 2.69 IRON HEDTA -FEHEDTA SULFENTRAZONE 6.47 ISOXABEN 1.71 SULFOMETURON-METHYL 2.74 LIMONENE 0.62 TRICLOPYR 2.41 MCPA, 2-ETHYLHEXYL ESTER 3.12 TRICLOPYR, BUTOXYETHYL ESTER 1.84 MCPA, DIMETHYLAMINE SALT, ph TRICLOPYR, TRIETHYLAMINE SALT 4.49 MCPP, DIMETHYLAMINE 2.88 TRIFLURALIN 0.17 MCPP (MECOPROP) 3.08 ZINC SULFATE MONOHYDRATE, ph MCPP-P 3.87 ZINC SULFATE MONOHYDRATE, ph 7 9

13 INSECTICIDES ACTIVE INGREDIENT RANK ACTIVE INGREDIENT RANK ABAMECTIN (AVERMECTIN B1) 0.44 HYDRAMETHYLNON ACEPHATE 1.76 IMIDACLOPRID 3.69 ACETAMIPRID 2.13 IMIPROTHRIN 0.98 AZADIRACHTIN 3.80 INDOXACARB 0.48 BETA-CYFLUTHRIN KAOLIN 0.49 BIFENTHRIN LIMONENE 0.62 BIOALLETHRIN MALATHION BORIC ACID CAPSAICIN MGK 264 (N-OCTYL BICYCLOHEPTENE DICARBOXIMIDE) 2.65 CARBARYL 1.52 MINERAL OIL/PETROLEUM DISTILLATE 1.00 CHLORANTRANILIPROLE 4.01 NOVALURON 0.06 CLOTHIANIDIN 5.20 OIL, CANOLA CYANTRANILIPROLE 2.48 OIL, CITRONELLA 1.08 CYFLUTHRIN OIL, CLOVE 1.40 CYHALOTHRIN OIL, GARLIC 0.39 CYHALOTHRIN, GAMMA OIL, MINT CYHALOTHRIN, LAMBDA CYPERMETHRIN OIL, NEEM (CLARIFIED HYDROPHOBIC EXTRACT) DDVP (DICHLORVOS; DICHLOROVOS) OIL, NEEM (COLD-PRESSED) 1.69 DELTAMETHRIN OIL, SOYBEAN DIFLUBENZURON OIL, THYME 0.49 DINOTEFURAN 4.95 PERMETHRIN D-TRANS ALLETHRIN 5.17 PHENOTHRIN EMAMECTIN BENZOATE 3.60 PHENYLETHYL PROPIONATE 0.49 ESFENVALERATE 0.43 PIPERONYL BUTOXIDE ETOFENPROX POTASSIUM LAURATE EUGENOL 0.49 PRALLETHRIN-ETOC FENVALERATE 0.43 PROPOXUR 3.73 FIPRONIL (AMINODICHLOROPYRAZOLE CARBONITRILE) 2.06 PYRETHRINS PYRIPROXYFEN (NYLAR) GERANIOL 0.49 S-METHOPRENE 0.49 Continued on next page... 10

14 INSECTICIDES CONT. ACTIVE INGREDIENT RANK ACTIVE INGREDIENT RANK SODIUM BORATE (BORAX) 2.18 TETRAMETHRIN 0.40 SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE 1.08 THIAMETHOXAM 3.58 SPINOSAD TRICHLORFON 3.00 SULFUR 3.18 ZETA-CYPERMETHRIN TAU-FLUVALINATE OTHER ACTIVE INGREDIENT RANK LABEL TYPE CAPSAICIN 0.39 Insect & Vertebrate Repellent GERANIOL 0.49 Insect & Vertebrate Repellent IRON PHOSPHATE 0.49 Molluscicide METALDEHYDE 1.62 Molluscicide OIL, BLACK PEPPER 2.60 Vertebrate Repellent OIL, CASTOR 1.08 Vertebrate Repellent OIL, GARLIC 0.39 Insect & Vertebrate Repellent OIL, LEMONGRASS Vertebrate Repellent SODIUM FERRIC EDTA 4.04 Molluscicide Don t see your preferred active ingredient on the list? Please let us know. We plan to update this list in digital format and would like to add more active ingredients over time and as data become available. An active ingredient s absence from the list does not mean that it has no potential impact to groundwater. PLEASE NOTE: The index is a simple indicator of a chemical s potential for leaching into groundwater. It is based on two environmental fate properties of the chemical and takes no account of environmental conditions. It is not a substitute for in-depth assessments that consider site characteristics and/or a broader range of chemical characteristics. 11

15 STEP 3: DETERMINE THE RELATIVE RISK Now consider the pesticide and the location together to determine the relative risk to Springfield s drinking water. At the back of this guide, you will find three maps of Springfield, labeled, erate, and. The map you use depends on whether your is low, moderate, or high. Locate your application site on the correct map. The color shading on the map tells you the relative risk to Springfield s drinking water of using your product at that location. On your log sheet, circle the relative risk. If your location crosses the border between two different colors, circle the higher risk ranking. See example below. WHY IS THE RISK RELATIVE? These risk classifications are relative, which means that their risk level is as compared to other pesticides. They do not represent absolute risk. For example, a low relative risk means the risk is low as compared to other pesticide-site pairings. 12

16 STEP 4: MAKE SENSE OF THE RISK Now that you have determined the relative risk, Step 4 will help you use that information. The goal is to figure out how to achieve your pest management needs with the lowest possible risk to Springfield s drinking water. The table below explains how to make sense of each relative risk classification. ACTION TO TAKE OUTSIDE WHPAs The pesticide application will occur outside of Springfield s designated Wellhead Protection Areas. Keep in mind that there may be other nearby wells and surface water bodies. Regardless of your location, always follow the label and adhere to best management practices for pesticide mixing, loading, application, transportation, storage, and disposal. LOW RISK The pesticide application will pose a low relative risk to Springfield s drinking water. Follow the label and refer to the best management practices on pages RELATIVE RISK MODERATE RISK Try to reduce the risk by using a pesticide with the lowest possible. If your evaluation yields a moderate risk even when the is low, that means you are working in a very sensitive area. In that case follow the label, proceed with caution, and closely follow the best management practices on pages15-17 to help protect groundwater. Adopting Integrated Pest Management will also help you reduce risk by allowing you to use less pesticide. HIGH RISK VERY HIGH RISK Return to the lists starting on page 8 to find active ingredients that have lower values. If you are unable to identify low-risk options, consider contacting the Oregon State University Extension Office in Lane County ( ) to discuss your pest management needs. If you find yourself applying pesticides in a high-risk situation, you can still take steps to mitigate the impact (see best management practices on pages 15-17). Adopting Integrated Pest Management will also help you reduce risk by allowing you to use less pesticde. 13

17 STEP 5: PLAN YOUR MANAGEMENT APPROACH After going through the first four steps and evaluating your options and alternatives, you can use the extra space on the log sheet for notes about the pest management approach you will take. See example below: If you will use a pesticide, don t forget to read the label, even if you already read it! Because this evaluation tool focuses only on the pesticide s potential impact to groundwater, pay special attention to the signal word on the label. The signal words (DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION) describe the acute (short-term) toxicity of the formulated product. There is no relationship between and signal words. It is possible for a pesticide to have a low and a high toxicity! You can use your log sheet to note important information from the label. See example below: The signal word can be used to select the least toxic product(s) of those that are sufficiently effective. Regardless of the signal word on the pesticide product, it is important to remember that every product still has the potential to poison. For more information about pesticide toxicity, visit the National Pesticide Information Center at npic.orst.edu. SIGNAL WORD ON LABEL DANGER WARNING CAUTION TOXICITY Special Notes About Using This Tool This tool narrowly focuses on impact to Springfield s drinking water. The pesticide applicator still must consider other factors such as toxicity, movement in the air, and appropriateness of product for the pest management goal. This tool does not take into account factors such as application rate and timing, rainfall, irrigation, and weather conditions. It is the applicator s responsibility to follow the label when using any pesticide product. 14

18 Best Management Practices for Application of Pesticides Within Groundwater Protection Areas In addition to using the Pesticide Evaluation Tool, there are several ways you can help protect Springfield s drinking water when considering use of a pesticide: Do everything possible to maximize efficacy: Know the size of the area you plan to treat and apply the proper amount at the proper rate and time. Google Earth Pro is a free, useful tool for determining the size of your site. Spot spray to kill weeds and apply fertilizer separately if needed rather than broadly applying an herbicide such as weed-and-feed where it may not be needed. Use a dye indicator to help ensure proper coverage. Direct application exactly onto the target site. Wipe or brush-on pesticide instead of spraying. Calibrate! During calibration, check the equipment for leaks. Be sure the equipment is working well. Maintain your spray equipment (i.e. clean and/or change out nozzles). Poorly maintained equipment can result in over- or under-application of pesticides. Keep records of pesticide use. Minimize pesticide use: Use other pest control methods whenever you can. Use Integrated Pest Management. Buy only what you need this season; mix only what you need today. Read the landscape and evaluate how your pesticide application will affect it: Think about where you will apply the pesticide in relation to groundwater and surface water. Be extra careful around low or sunken areas, sandy soils, old wells, and shallow groundwater. Don t apply pesticides in swales, rain gardens, or other vegetated stormwater facilities. Avoid pesticide use and handling close to wells, streams, ponds, and other water sources. Know the kind of soil you are working with. In high risk areas, use soil amendments to increase organic matter content. Avoid applying pesticides to fissures or cracks in dry soil. Avoid spills and accidents: Quickly and completely clean up any accidental spills. Store unused chemicals in a clean and dry storage site away from wells, cisterns, springs, and other water sources. Keep chemicals in an enclosed space like a cabinet where they are less likely to be accidently spilled. See page 17 for more information about pesticide storage. 15

19 Select the Right It is important to select the correct herbicide for your needs. Some herbicides kill every plant they contact, while others kill only certain plants. For example, you can apply a selective broadleaf herbicide on thegrass and this would kill only the broadleaved weeds and not the grass. Many times, it is better to apply an herbicide directly to unwanted plants rather than using weed and feed types of products that result in applying herbicides where weeds are not present. In addition, the fertilizer and herbicide components of many weed-and-feed products are less effective than when the products are separate. The timing of an herbicide application is important. You must apply herbicide at the right time to affect your target species without injuring desirable plants. PREEMERGENCE HERBICIDES are applied before weeds appear or can be used after you have hand weeded an area to prevent weeds from coming back. POSTEMERGENCE HERBICIDES are used after weeds appear. These applications should be very selective in controlling the weeds without harming desirable vegetation. As always, follow the directions and warnings on the label. 16

20 Proper Storage, Disposal and Transport of Chemicals Proper pesticide storage, disposal, and transport is important to protect people, animals, groundwater and surface water, and the pesticide itself. Keep these tips in mind: Pesticide Storage Pesticides should always be stored in their original containers with their original labeling. Never store pesticides in food or drink containers. Extremes in temperature can change pesticide chemistry. As a general rule, pesticides are best stored between F. Designate a place used only for pesticide storage. Pick a well-ventilated location that children and pets cannot access, preferably with a latch or lock. Keep pesticides away from food, feed, and flames. Store pesticides out of direct sunlight. Choose a location away from ponds, streams and drinking water wells. Store bottles inside a larger container, such as a plastic tote, that could contain liquids in the event of a leak or spill. Pesticide disposal Clean containers by rinsing at least three times. The rinse water should be clear. Pour the rinse water back into the spray tank and treat sites. If any product is left in the container it must be disposed of as hazardous waste. Dispose of product as instructed on the product label. Never reuse a pesticide container for any purpose. Do not pour rinse water into any drain or on any site not listed on the product label. Wear protective clothing when rinsing containers. Make an appointment to take unused chemicals to the Lane County Waste Management Facility in Glenwood, or take chemicals to a household hazardous waste round-up event. (Contact Lane County Waste Management at to arrange disposal.) Pesticide Transport Keep pesticides in their original containers with the labels attached. Place containers so they won t shift and/or spill. Line the transport area in your vehicle or place pesticides in a plastic bin to contain any spills in case of an accident. If pesticides are carried in the back of an open vehicle, secure and cover the load. Don t put pesticides in the passenger compartment of a vehicle. Keep pesticides away from groceries, including food for animals. Drive carefully! 17

21 Common Pesticides and Their Rankings LOW (<2) ACTIVE INGREDIENT PESTICIDE TYPE ACTIVE INGREDIENT PESTICIDE TYPE ABAMECTIN 0.44 Insecticide OIL, NEEM (CLARIFIED HYDRO- PHOBIC EXTRACT) Fungicide; Insecticide BENEFIN (BENFLURALIN) 0.07 ORYZALIN 1.59 BIFENTHRIN Insecticide OXYFLUORFEN CHLOROTHALONIL 1.27 Fungicide PENDIMETHALIN 0.59 CYHALOTHRIN, LAMBDA Insecticide PERMETHRIN Insecticide DIQUAT DIBROMIDE PRODIAMINE FLUROXYPYR, 1-METHYLHEPTYL ESTER PYRETHRINS TEBUCONAZOLE Insecticide Fungicide GLYPHOSATE, ISOPROPYLAMINE SALT TETRAMETHRIN TRIFULRALIN Insecticide MODERATE (2-3) ACTIVE INGREDIENT PESTICIDE TYPE ACTIVE INGREDIENT PESTICIDE TYPE 2 4-D 2.70 MCPP-P, DMA SALT D, DIMETHYLAMINE SALT 2.70 PROPICONAZOLE 2.04 Fungicide HIGH (>3) ACTIVE INGREDIENT PESTICIDE TYPE ACTIVE INGREDIENT PESTICIDE TYPE 2 4-D, ETHYLHEXYL ESTER 3.58 IMIDACLOPRID 3.69 Insecticide AZOXYSTROBIN 2.78 Fungicide MCPP-P 3.87 CLOTHIANIDIN 5.20 Insecticide QUINCLORAC 6.11 DICAMBA 3.78 SULFENTRAZONE 6.47 DICAMBA, DIMETHYLAMINE SALT/ DICAMBA, POTASSIUM SALT 4.24 THIAMETHOXAM TRICLOPYR, TRIMETHYLAMINE SALT Insecticide IMAZAPIC, AMMONIUM SALT

22 Other Ways to Protect Springfield s Drinking Water Cautious use of pesticides is just one of the many ways we can all protect Springfield s drinking water. Here are some more: Be very careful with and always clean up any spills of materials like gasoline, solvents, and deck stains. Use a slow-release fertilizer and only the amount you need. Maintain natural buffer areas of native plants between your property and any stream, lake, or drainage way. Learn about rain gardens and how you can plant one in your yard. Visit springfieldstreams.org for information about rain gardens and other ways to protect Springfield s streams. Make sure little litter, such as cigarette butts, go in the trash. Use non-toxic cleaning products around the house. Keep your car in tune to prevent drips and leaks. Consider using an Ecobiz-certified auto shop: lanep2c.org/find-an-ecobiz. Be a pooper scooper for both small and large animals. Cover manure piles and keep them away from any streams or wells. If applicable, keep your septic system healthy protect the drainfield and pump the tank. Properly dispose of household hazardous waste: Make an appointment to take unused chemicals to the Lane County Waste Management Facility in Glenwood, or take chemicals to a household hazardous waste round-up event. (Contact Lane County Waste Management at to arrange disposal.) Dispose of unwanted or expired pharmaceuticals at one of the local drop-boxes (Lane County Sherriff s office 125 E. 8th Ave.; Springfield Justice Center 230 4th St.; Eugene Police Department 300 County Club Road). Spread the word! Let your friends and family know about the importance of protecting our local drinking water sources. 19

23 Resources and Contacts for Additional Information Pacific Northwest Weed Management Handbook: pnwhandbooks.org/weed Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook: pnwhandbooks.org/insect Pacific Northwest Plant Disease Management Handbook: pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease Pesticide Information Center Online (PICOL): picol.cahe.wsu.edu/labeltolerance National Pesticide Information Center: npic.orst.edu Pollinator Protection: pesticidestewardship.org/pollinator-protection Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides: Clean Water for Salmon: Integrated Pest Management: ipm.ucanr.edu EPA Minimum-Risk Pesticides: epa.gov/minimum-risk-pesticides Groundwater Foundation: groundwater.org References City of Springfield, Springfield Utility Board, and Rainbow Water District, Springfield Drinking Water Protection Plan. Gustafson, D. I Groundwater ubiquity score: A simple method for assessing pesticide leachability. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 8: doi: /etc National Pesticide Information Center, Types of Pesticides. npic.orst.edu/ingred/ptype/index.html National Pesticide Information Center. Website Resources. npic.orst.edu/index.html National Association of State Departments of Agriculture Research Foundation, National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual (2nd ed.). Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides. Tips for Weeds, Lawns, and Landscaping. pesticide.org/resources_for_garden Trautmann, N.M, Porter, K.S., and Wagenet, R.J Pesticides and Groundwater: A Guide for the Pesticide User. Natural Resources Cornell Cooperative Extension: Fact Sheets. psep.cce.cornell.edu/facts-slides-self/facts/pest-gr-gud-grw89.aspx United States Environmental Protection Agency, What is a Pesticide? epa.gov/minimum-risk-pesticides/what-pesticide University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources, Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, Pesticide Information. ipm.ucanr.edu/pmg/pestnotes/pn74126.html#decision 20

24 Appendix A: Springfield Time-of-Travel Zones Springfield Utility Board (SUB) first began to evaluate groundwater recharge areas and travel times to water supply wells in 1992, when it undertook a demonstration project with the State focused on one of its wellfields. In 1995, SUB expanded its wellhead protection efforts to include all of the wells contributing to the public water system, including those owned by the neighboring Rainbow Water District (RWD). This earlier work was again expanded in 1998 to consider the protection of planned wells, and in 2008, shortly after a new filter plant was constructed. For each effort, SUB and RWD have retained the services of Oregon Professional Engineers and Registered Geologists to evaluate and perform the analyses used to delineate time-of-travel zones for the water supply wells. This work has then been reviewed by State of Oregon professionals and certified as a state drinking water source area. Since 1995, the analysis and mapping of the recharge areas to the wells has utilized a numerical groundwater computer model written by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and widely used in the United States and abroad. This model, named MODFLOW, has been used to represent the Springfield-area groundwater flow system in three dimensions. It includes representation of each well individually, the major river systems, the horizontal and vertical extent of the aquifers, and the aquifer boundaries occurring at the valley margins and also at depth below the valley. The initial work to create the model involved detailed assessment and mapping of the groundwater resource. Subsequent efforts have built onto and enhanced the initial model. MODFLOW provides the ability to simulate the velocities of groundwater with inclusion of the effects of multiple pumping wells, precipitation, and hydraulic continuity of the aquifer and surface waters. A companion program, named MODPATH, is used to calculate groundwater travel times based on the MODFLOW output. MODPATH also is a USGS computer model creation with wide application. MODPATH provides a graphical output consisting of pathlines as would be followed by a particle of water when travelling from the recharge area to a water supply well through the groundwater flow system. At the water supply well, the particle is extracted ( pumped ) out of the groundwater system. MODPATH actually performs the tracking backwards from the well to the recharge area, calculating the particle movement based on groundwater velocity vectors. Fifty to 100 particles are tracked by computer to the recharge area for each well, and thereby define the well s recharge area. Arrowheads are drawn onto the pathline at a constant time increment, which can be specified, for example as a week, month or year (see figure). In the end result, the entire area that contributes groundwater to a water supply well is defined and arrowheads indicate the time of travel (TOT) at uniform increments along the pathlines. The entire recharge area to a well is called the zone of contribution, abbreviated to ZOC. A time-of-travel zone for a water supply well is mapped based on the pathlines obtained from MODPATH. The boundary of each time-of-travel zone is delineated by drawing a line that connects the arrowheads of equal travel time for those pathlines that terminate at the well. For the Springfield delineations, pathline arrowheads were typically spaced at 1-year increments, facilitating mapping of the 1-, 2-, 5-, 10-, and 20-year time-of-travel zones. In some cases in the Springfield area, groundwater travel time is relatively fast and the recharge area of a well is moderately small. This situation results in a recharge area with less than 20 years of total travel time. Under this condition, time-of-travel zones are mapped as appropriate out to the ZOC. This condition has resulted in several of the wells having only the 1-, 2-, 5-, and 10-year time-of-travel zones mapped. 21

25 Appendix B: Groundwater Ubiquity Score The is an empirically derived value that relates pesticide persistence (half-life) and sorption in soil (sorption coefficient, Koc). The longer a pesticide persists in the environment (i.e. long half-life) or the less tightly it sorbs to the soil (i.e. small Koc), the greater the potential for that pesticide to make its way to groundwater. The may be used to rank pesticides for their potential to move toward groundwater. The is calculated using the expression: = log10(half-life) x [4 - log10(koc)]. The primary data used to calculate the values for the active ingredients listed in this manual came from the Windows Pesticide Screening Tool (WIN-PST), a pesticide environmental risk screening tool developed and supported by the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service: nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detailfull/national/water/quality/?cid=stelprdb

26 PESTICIDE EVALUATION LOGS

27 DATE & ADDRESS OF APPLICATION: PRODUCT NAME: ACTIVE INGREDIENT(S): DATE & ADDRESS OF APPLICATION: PRODUCT NAME: ACTIVE INGREDIENT(S): DATE & ADDRESS OF APPLICATION: PRODUCT NAME: ACTIVE INGREDIENT(S): NOTES FROM LABEL: SIGNAL WORD: PRECAUTIONS: NOTES FROM LABEL: SIGNAL WORD: PRECAUTIONS: NOTES FROM LABEL: SIGNAL WORD: PRECAUTIONS: PESTICIDE EVALUATION LOG NUMERICAL VALUE: RANKING (circle one): erate RELATIVE RISK TO SPRINGFIELD S DRINKING WATER (circle one): erate Very Outside Wellhead Protection Area NUMERICAL VALUE: RANKING (circle one): erate RELATIVE RISK TO SPRINGFIELD S DRINKING WATER (circle one): erate Very Outside Wellhead Protection Area NUMERICAL VALUE: RANKING (circle one): erate RELATIVE RISK TO SPRINGFIELD S DRINKING WATER (circle one): erate Very Outside Wellhead Protection Area PEST MANAGEMENT APPROACH/NOTES: PEST MANAGEMENT APPROACH/NOTES: PEST MANAGEMENT APPROACH/NOTES:

28 DATE & ADDRESS OF APPLICATION: PRODUCT NAME: ACTIVE INGREDIENT(S): DATE & ADDRESS OF APPLICATION: PRODUCT NAME: ACTIVE INGREDIENT(S): DATE & ADDRESS OF APPLICATION: PRODUCT NAME: ACTIVE INGREDIENT(S): NOTES FROM LABEL: SIGNAL WORD: PRECAUTIONS: NOTES FROM LABEL: SIGNAL WORD: PRECAUTIONS: NOTES FROM LABEL: SIGNAL WORD: PRECAUTIONS: PESTICIDE EVALUATION LOG NUMERICAL VALUE: RANKING (circle one): erate RELATIVE RISK TO SPRINGFIELD S DRINKING WATER (circle one): erate Very Outside Wellhead Protection Area NUMERICAL VALUE: RANKING (circle one): erate RELATIVE RISK TO SPRINGFIELD S DRINKING WATER (circle one): erate Very Outside Wellhead Protection Area NUMERICAL VALUE: RANKING (circle one): erate RELATIVE RISK TO SPRINGFIELD S DRINKING WATER (circle one): erate Very Outside Wellhead Protection Area PEST MANAGEMENT APPROACH/NOTES: PEST MANAGEMENT APPROACH/NOTES: PEST MANAGEMENT APPROACH/NOTES:

29 DATE & ADDRESS OF APPLICATION: PRODUCT NAME: ACTIVE INGREDIENT(S): DATE & ADDRESS OF APPLICATION: PRODUCT NAME: ACTIVE INGREDIENT(S): DATE & ADDRESS OF APPLICATION: PRODUCT NAME: ACTIVE INGREDIENT(S): NOTES FROM LABEL: SIGNAL WORD: PRECAUTIONS: NOTES FROM LABEL: SIGNAL WORD: PRECAUTIONS: NOTES FROM LABEL: SIGNAL WORD: PRECAUTIONS: PESTICIDE EVALUATION LOG NUMERICAL VALUE: RANKING (circle one): erate RELATIVE RISK TO SPRINGFIELD S DRINKING WATER (circle one): erate Very Outside Wellhead Protection Area NUMERICAL VALUE: RANKING (circle one): erate RELATIVE RISK TO SPRINGFIELD S DRINKING WATER (circle one): erate Very Outside Wellhead Protection Area NUMERICAL VALUE: RANKING (circle one): erate RELATIVE RISK TO SPRINGFIELD S DRINKING WATER (circle one): erate Very Outside Wellhead Protection Area PEST MANAGEMENT APPROACH/NOTES: PEST MANAGEMENT APPROACH/NOTES: PEST MANAGEMENT APPROACH/NOTES:

30 DATE & ADDRESS OF APPLICATION: PRODUCT NAME: ACTIVE INGREDIENT(S): DATE & ADDRESS OF APPLICATION: PRODUCT NAME: ACTIVE INGREDIENT(S): DATE & ADDRESS OF APPLICATION: PRODUCT NAME: ACTIVE INGREDIENT(S): NOTES FROM LABEL: SIGNAL WORD: PRECAUTIONS: NOTES FROM LABEL: SIGNAL WORD: PRECAUTIONS: NOTES FROM LABEL: SIGNAL WORD: PRECAUTIONS: PESTICIDE EVALUATION LOG NUMERICAL VALUE: RANKING (circle one): erate RELATIVE RISK TO SPRINGFIELD S DRINKING WATER (circle one): erate Very Outside Wellhead Protection Area NUMERICAL VALUE: RANKING (circle one): erate RELATIVE RISK TO SPRINGFIELD S DRINKING WATER (circle one): erate Very Outside Wellhead Protection Area NUMERICAL VALUE: RANKING (circle one): erate RELATIVE RISK TO SPRINGFIELD S DRINKING WATER (circle one): erate Very Outside Wellhead Protection Area PEST MANAGEMENT APPROACH/NOTES: PEST MANAGEMENT APPROACH/NOTES: PEST MANAGEMENT APPROACH/NOTES:

31 DATE & ADDRESS OF APPLICATION: PRODUCT NAME: ACTIVE INGREDIENT(S): DATE & ADDRESS OF APPLICATION: PRODUCT NAME: ACTIVE INGREDIENT(S): DATE & ADDRESS OF APPLICATION: PRODUCT NAME: ACTIVE INGREDIENT(S): NOTES FROM LABEL: SIGNAL WORD: PRECAUTIONS: NOTES FROM LABEL: SIGNAL WORD: PRECAUTIONS: NOTES FROM LABEL: SIGNAL WORD: PRECAUTIONS: PESTICIDE EVALUATION LOG NUMERICAL VALUE: RANKING (circle one): erate RELATIVE RISK TO SPRINGFIELD S DRINKING WATER (circle one): erate Very Outside Wellhead Protection Area NUMERICAL VALUE: RANKING (circle one): erate RELATIVE RISK TO SPRINGFIELD S DRINKING WATER (circle one): erate Very Outside Wellhead Protection Area NUMERICAL VALUE: RANKING (circle one): erate RELATIVE RISK TO SPRINGFIELD S DRINKING WATER (circle one): erate Very Outside Wellhead Protection Area PEST MANAGEMENT APPROACH/NOTES: PEST MANAGEMENT APPROACH/NOTES: PEST MANAGEMENT APPROACH/NOTES:

32 Emergency Phone Numbers for Pesticide Accidents Call 911 for pesticide emergencies and/or the appropriate contacts below: PESTICIDE ANALYTICAL & RESPONSE CENTER, OREGON DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE To report a pesticide incident that has impacted people, animals, bees, or the environment: FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIAL LEAKS/SPILLS IN SPRINGFIELD- Hazardous Material Response 911 Springfield Utility Board HUMAN POISONING- Poison Control Center: LARGE SPILLS- National Response Center: Chemtrec:

33 54th St Randy Pape Beltline 5 RELATIVE RISK TO SPRINGFIELD S DRINKING WATER FOR PESTICIDE WITH A Marcola Rd LOW MAP LEGEND Risk erate Risk Outside WHPAs Beltline Rd Coburg Rd Satre St Gateway St Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy Agate St Columbia St 105 Van Duyn St Augusta St Glenwood Blvd Tamarack St Aspen St W D St Laura St W Q St Mill St S Mill St Franklin Blvd Pioneer Parkway East S 2nd St 5th St 7th St S 5th St S 7th St 10th St A St B St 14th St Q St Mohawk Blvd S A St 18th St G St E St 19th St 21st St 23rd St Olympic St 28th St S 28th St 30th St 31st St S 32nd St 35th St 36th St 42nd St S 42nd St th St Daisy St 52nd St Banks Rd F St Mt Vernon Rd S 58th St 58th St Thurston Rd Main St 66th St S 67th St 69th St S 70th St Camp Creek Rd McKenzie Hwy McVay Hwy Bob Straub Pkwy E 30th Ave Jasper Rd Miles

34 54th St Randy Pape Beltline 5 RELATIVE RISK TO SPRINGFIELD S DRINKING WATER FOR PESTICIDE WITH A MODERATE Marcola Rd MAP LEGEND erate Risk Risk Outside WHPAs Beltline Rd Coburg Rd Satre St Gateway St Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy Agate St Columbia St 105 Van Duyn St Augusta St Glenwood Blvd Tamarack St Aspen St W D St Laura St W Q St Mill St S Mill St Franklin Blvd Pioneer Parkway East S 2nd St 5th St 7th St S 5th St S 7th St 10th St A St B St 14th St Q St Mohawk Blvd S A St 18th St G St E St 19th St 21st St 23rd St Olympic St 28th St S 28th St 30th St 31st St S 32nd St 35th St 36th St 42nd St S 42nd St th St Daisy St 52nd St Banks Rd F St Mt Vernon Rd S 58th St 58th St Thurston Rd Main St 66th St S 67th St 69th St S 70th St Camp Creek Rd McKenzie Hwy McVay Hwy Bob Straub Pkwy E 30th Ave Jasper Rd

35 54th St MAP LEGEND Randy Pape Beltline 5 RELATIVE RISK TO SPRINGFIELD S DRINKING WATER FOR PESTICIDE WITH A Marcola Rd HIGH erate Risk Risk Very Risk Outside WHPAs Beltline Rd Coburg Rd Satre St Gateway St Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy Agate St Columbia St 105 Van Duyn St Augusta St Glenwood Blvd Tamarack St Aspen St W D St Laura St W Q St Mill St S Mill St Franklin Blvd Pioneer Parkway East S 2nd St 5th St 7th St S 5th St S 7th St 10th St A St B St 14th St Q St Mohawk Blvd S A St 18th St G St E St 19th St 21st St 23rd St Olympic St 28th St S 28th St 30th St 31st St S 32nd St 35th St 36th St 42nd St S 42nd St th St Daisy St 52nd St Banks Rd F St Mt Vernon Rd S 58th St 58th St Thurston Rd Main St 66th St S 67th St 69th St S 70th St Camp Creek Rd McKenzie Hwy McVay Hwy Bob Straub Pkwy E 30th Ave Jasper Rd Miles